We put the ship’s clock back another hour last night - a sure sign of our westward progress, which has been slow, mainly because we have been heading mostly south for the last 26 Days.
The southern progress is much more graphic - we see a night sky that you would never recognize from your back garden at home in the UK or Northern Europe. The other major factor for stargazing is the total lack of light pollution, here on the ocean, which allows a clarity seldom seen on land.
The benefits of this night sky go far beyond satisfying the lust of amateur astronomers. The stars provide a heavenly reference to the helmsmen improving their ability to drive in a straight line, keeping our Unicef blue yacht directly under the spinnaker. Our Code 2 asymmetric spinnaker will need to be kept flying for the next five days so we need cloudless skies to aid the crew each night.
The weather has become a little cooler at night, aiding sleeping, and the upright sailing has allowed hatches to be opened allowing fresh air to circulate down below. Many crew reporting unbroken sleep in these improving conditions.
We crossed Monte Submarino Vitória yesterday evening, its relatively shallow water (English Channel depth) providing an oasis for sea life. Flying fish, sea birds and whales all in abundance resulting in a welcome spectacle for all onboard.
Anyway, it's back on deck for me to check out the spinnaker and check out that Southern Cross!
Cheers, Bob